Lower Big Quilcene River
Olympic Peninsula
The Lower Big Quilcene River trail is in excellent condition, with recent reports from May 3rd indicating no significant log obstacles. The parking lot at the trailhead fills early on weekends, with reports from May 3rd and April 25th noting it was full by mid-morning. The pit toilet remains locked as of May 3rd. Several reports mention a re-route past Bark Shanty due to erosion, which is easily navigated. The trail is lush with wildflowers and moss, particularly in the old-growth forest sections. While most reports indicate easy stream crossings, one report from March 31st noted a tricky crossing near Camp Jolly, with two individuals falling in. The trail is popular with backpackers, especially at Bark Shanty and Camp Jolly.
generated from 36 reports
Conditions at a Glance
Trail
Trail in good condition
1 of 2
Snow
Intermittent snow - not hard to cross
1 of 2
Road
Road suitable for all vehicles
2 of 2
Bugs
No bugs
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Sources
From recent postings it would appear that this trail has been cleared a couple of times this spring (by WTA?). We didn't step over one log for our 8 mile round trip hike, and there is recent evidence...
Short overnight with the 6 yo to Bark Shanty. The trail is stunning shape the first few miles, pretty lush with a few wildflowers, charming creeks/tiny cascade pools that provide regular interest for ...
This morning I walked the Lower Big Quilcene for the first time in a couple of years. The road to the trailhead was in great condition. Unfortunately, the sign indicating the final turn to the trail...
Based on earlier trip reports, the Gray Wolf Trail Crew paid a visit to the upper end of this trail. We cleared the two reported trees plus two additional trees that had fallen between Camp Jolley an...
Beautiful spring day on a very well maintained and wide trail. Trillium blooms lined the trail and the tiny Calypso orchids are just coming out. No one on the trail first half and then one biker with...
I celebrated my first April 15 as a retired CPA on this beautiful trail with my dog. Only saw one other person the entire day. Every kind of weather, from sun to sleet to hail. Opted to turn around be...
Pretty standard day for the Lower Big Quilcene- a handful of backpackers, most at Bark Shanty and a few headed further up the trail. Some day hikers, also a motorcycle which was surprising. We turned ...
First backpack trip of the season! Last summer, we hiked up one too many exposed ridge in the blazing sun of a heat wave. I decided we would shift backpacking season forward in the year and enjoy rela...
This is one of the great river hikes in the Hood Canal side of the Olys, the trail is gentle and wide with little in the way of rocks or roots and a pleasure to hike! There are no views, the river is ...
We took the 7:55ferry from Edmonds and arrivedat the TH around 9:30.Only one other carin the lot.First 2-1/2 miles or so is an easy walk with a gentle slope to Bark Shanty Camp.Nice camp area with a l...
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